Why is Electrical Safety Important for Kids?
According to consumerwatch.com, 4,000 injuries occur annually from electrical outlets, and one-third of these happen when young children put something into a wall outlet. Also, 400 people die each year in the US from electrical shock or electrocution in the home. Teaching children safety with electricity is an important step in protecting young people.
Other People Are Reading
-
Electrical injuries
-
Electrical shock injuries can cause serious muscle contractions, damage to nerves, severe burns, damaged tendons, broken bones, respiratory difficulties and cardiac arrest or death. While some injuries are mild they may result in emotional trauma to a child. Electrical burns can be very painful and require treatment at a hospital, or in the case of severe burns, treatment in a burn unit. The risk due to serious burns include permanent damage to the skin requiring grafting, or infection.
Water
-
Water and electricity don't mix, but children need to be aware of that fact. Electrical appliances in the bathroom need to be used and stored with care. Make sure to keep them far from the tub, especially. Make sure to have ground fault circuit interrupters or GFCI anywhere near water, such as bathroom outlets, those near kitchen sinks, laundry rooms, basements, garages and near pools or hot tubs.
-
Outlets and Cords
-
Teach children never to touch electrical outlets when they are very young, and make sure you put covers over open outlets. Teach older children how to properly unplug cords, never to pull them but to carefully pull from the outlet. Teach them never to cover a cord with a blanket or rug. Teach them that extension cords should never be overloaded, and anytime a cord is frayed or sparks, they should tell you and not touch it. Keep cords away from heat sources.
Outdoors
-
Teach children not to climb trees or structures near power lines, and not to throw toys near lines. Instruct them not to fly kites near them, either. Teach them about signs that say, "Danger," or "High Voltage." Children need to know about the risks of lightning during storms. Show them safe places to go such as cars or buildings, and unsafe places such as by trees, and not to be the tallest thing around. Also, when going inside during an electrical storm, avoid using electrical equipment, telephones, or taking a bath or doing dishes. Also, children need to know to avoid downed power lines.
Safety Tips
-
It's important that children know how to call 9-1-1, and when it's appropriate to do so. Also, teach them that if someone is being shocked, it's important not to touch the person. The appliance must be unplugged, and the electrical current stopped or else anyone touching the electrocuted person will also be shocked. Children should know that whenever an appliance trips the circuit breaker or is malfunctioning, they need to let an adult know. The same is true of frayed cords, sparking appliances, wires or cords.
-
